Sint Maartensdijk: History, Mills and Nature

Sint-Maartensdijk brings together late medieval history, distinctive mills and nature in the De Pluimpot area. If you are looking for a hotel in Sint-Maartensdijk, these highlights can help you plan your trip: you can focus on historic buildings and local history, or include the landscape and wildlife. A marked circular route passes historic highlights; the annual Fietsvierdaagse is a special event for cycling enthusiasts.

Town History and Buildings

At the end of the 15th century, Sint-Maartensdijk was granted town rights, making it a Smalstad. Hof te Sint-Maartensdijk refers to the site of a late medieval castle, which was partly surrounded by a moat. Westpoort was once part of the medieval town wall. The Oranjekamer focuses on the historical connection between Sint-Maartensdijk and the House of Orange. The castle site, fortifications and connection to the House of Orange each represent different aspects of the town’s history.

The two windmills are easy to tell apart by their design and date. De Hoop is a round stone windmill with a gallery, built in 1847. A gallery is a walkway that encircles a mill. De Nijverheid is a grain mill dating from 1868, located on Oudelandseweg in Sint-Maartensdijk. When comparing them, De Hoop is distinguished mainly by its design and gallery, while De Nijverheid stands out as a grain mill on Oudelandseweg.

The Maartenskerk is a late Gothic cruciform basilica; its oldest section dates from around 1400. The church’s carillon comprises 40 bells. A tomb monument for Floris van Borssele and Oda van Bautersen, dating from around 1425, is located in the Nederlands Hervormde Kerk.

Circular Route and Nature

The Ommetje Sint-Maartensdijk circular route passes the town’s historic highlights. Green signs and yellow arrows mark the route, which goes past remains of the old fortifications, monuments and distinctive buildings. The route thus connects several aspects of local history with practical wayfinding along the way. The local walking route can also be extended with a loop around 't Bleikveld; route details may change. If you plan to take this extension, check the route information in advance.

De Pluimpot is a nature area that you can explore using paths along the dikes. With a little luck, you may spot spoonbills and deer. At the confluence of De Pluimpot and the Oosterschelde, a wide sea dike offers expansive views across the Oosterschelde. In this area, the chance to observe wildlife goes hand in hand with open views over the water.

A knowledgeable guide can show you around De Pluimpot and tell you more about its history and the plants and animals found there. Availability may vary; if the guided tour is important to you, check in advance.

Cycling and Planning Your Dates

The Fietsvierdaagse takes place in Sint-Maartensdijk every year; dates vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the exact dates before making your plans. Alongside the historical attractions and nature area, it offers another reason to plan your stay around cycling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sint Philipsland, Sint-Annaland, Tholen, Stavenisse, Poortvliet, Scherpenisse

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